Written by

Sarah Noel

April 5, 2023

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

Shrub and bush trimming cost

Shrub and bush trimming costs $5 to $20 per bush on average or $40 to $75 per hour. Shrub trimming service costs $10 to $35 per bush for plants taller than 6’. Minimum service fees are $50 to $200. Total costs depend on the plant type, size, and job complexity.

Average cost to trim bushes

The following table shows the average cost to trim residential bushes:

Bush trimming cost by size

Bush trimming costs $5 to $20 per bush on average or $10 to $35 each for bushes more than 6’ tall. Most companies give an estimate after an on-site assessment of the job difficulty.

Shrub trimming cost by amount

Shrub trimming costs $50 to $200 per 10 shrubs. Some companies offer quotes based on the number of shrubs.

Cost factors for trimming bushes and shrubs

Cost factors for trimming bushes and shrubs include:

• Size – Prices increase for greater heights and quantities of shrubs.

• Shrub type – Thicker branches of some species require more powerful tools and more time to trim, especially when overgrown.

• Season – Colder climates have lower trimming rates during winter or early spring when landscaping companies have less business.

• Location – Bushes on slopes, near structures, or next to other obstacles are difficult to access for trimming.

• Debris hauling – Dumping debris costs $35 to $100 extra on average depending on landfill charges and the load size.

• Mulching – Lawn care companies might mulch clippings with a mower to reduce disposal fees.

• Shaping – Trimming shrubs into complex geometric shapes is labor-intensive.

• Geographic location – Southern states with longer growing seasons need more frequent shrub maintenance.

• Extra services – Landscapers can also do mowing or tree trimming along with bush trimming in the same service visit for cheaper total lawn care.

• Lawn care contracts – Discount pricing is available for annual or multi-year contracts.

Pruning cost per hour

Pruning costs $65 to $150 per hour on average. Some companies include pruning in their trimming rates. Pruning involves much more cutting than trimming, and it requires more skilled workers. Larger equipment is often necessary for pruning, but not always for trimming.

Tree trimming

Tree trimming costs $200 to $900 per tree on average or up to $1,800 for extra-large trees. Some companies charge $50 to $125 per hour instead of using flat rates. Total costs depend on the tree size, type, and accessibility.

Hedge trimming

Hedge trimming costs $25 to $60 per 10’ length of hedges, or $40 to $100 per hour. Prices vary depending on the plant type, height, and site conditions. Hedges cost more to trim than most bushes and shrubs because hedges are taller and thicker for privacy.

Extra landscaping services

Extra services include:

• Full-service lawn care costs $100 to $400 per month.

• Weed control costs $50 to $125.

• The cost of seeding a lawn is $300 to $1,350.

• The cost to fertilize a lawn is $65 to $100.

• Mulch costs $35 to $70 per yard installed.

• Landscapers charge $50 to $100 per hour for extra work.

Cost of DIY bush trimming

DIY bush trimming costs $30 to $350 for tools and safety equipment, depending on the bush type and size. Check trimming guidelines by plant type to avoid injuring the bush.

Bush & shrub trimming FAQs

When to trim bushes and shrubs

You can trim most bushes and shrubs throughout the growing season. Trim or prune flowering plants immediately after they blossom. Prune non-flowering bushes in late winter or early spring. Ask a local nursery worker or horticulturist for the best time to trim your shrub.

Can you kill a bush by trimming it?

Trimming can kill a bush if you remove more than one-quarter to one-third of the plant, which makes it susceptible to insects and disease. Trimming a small amount of foliage is typically safe during the entire growing season.

What’s the difference between trimming and pruning?

The differences between trimming and pruning are:

• Trimming is cutting branch tips to shape overgrown shrubs and improve their appearance. Trimming tools include electric trimmers, hand clippers, and snips.

• Pruning is removing diseased, dead, or overgrown branches to improve shrub health. Pruning requires loppers and saws for thicker cuts.

Getting quotes from bush and shrub trimming services

Before hiring a bush and shrub trimming service near you, be sure to:

• Get detailed estimates from 3 or more companies.

• Remember that low prices often signal low-quality work.

• Only hire a company with a business license, insurance, and surety bonds.

• Read online customer reviews from Google and HomeGuide.

• Request references.

• Ask for certified arborists or those with landscaping or horticultural training.

• Choose a company with at least 5 years of experience.

• Don’t pay for services until they are complete.

Questions to ask

• Do you charge by the hour or by the bush?

• Can I get discounts with an annual contract or other lawn services?

• How long will this job take?

• Should I do anything to prep my bushes for trimming?

• Will you tarp under the shrub to protect my other plants?

• Does cleanup and disposal cost extra?

• Is trimming more expensive if you use a ladder?

• What cutting tools do you use to trim bushes?

• Do you trim by hand?

• Will there be more than one worker?

• What is the experience level of the work crew?

• Is there a cost difference for hedge trimming?

• How often will my bushes need trimming?

• Will you disinfect your equipment to avoid spreading diseases between plants?

• Do you offer a labor guarantee if my shrub gets sick or dies after trimming?